Canadian Heritage committee  I'd like to see the process for victims coming forward be a bit easier. I'd like for folks to recognize that it is not easy speaking about these topics. I'm in a very fortunate position, as my particular assault took place eight years ago. I'm comfortable speaking about it, but, certainly, in the first six months, I was not comfortable speaking about it.

Canadian Heritage committee  I have ideas, but I think that most would definitely be above my pay grade. First and foremost, you need a safe environment to be established for someone to come forward when speaking out. In terms of a database, or a registry that can be shared nationwide, there's software out there that would allow us to communicate—with me in B.C. and you guys in Ottawa.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you. The protection that is offered by an NDA and a publication ban sometimes helps people come forward, such as the woman from the 2018 world junior's case. It gives them a sense of confidence that they can continue their life in sport, or just life in general, without repercussions or being singled out or set aside.

Canadian Heritage committee  When you silence somebody, you can't warn anybody—

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, absolutely. There's a real issue with the current system for survivors and victims coming forward where safety is non-negotiable. Most of us fear that seeking police or third party involvement can expose us and our families to retaliation, violence or other personal consequences for speaking out.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you. I very much appreciate that. I would like to see some penalty for teams and organizations that do not take these reports seriously. It's kids who are getting hurt. You had 500 gymnasts come forward and say, “Somebody hurt me.” It was not just those 500; there had to have been more.

Canadian Heritage committee  Again, I think it's going to take open communication. I think it is going to take keeping something, like a database or an HR file, for example. For most folks, from what I'm gathering, once you're in safe sport, you are in safe sport for life. This is your job; this is your living.

Canadian Heritage committee  I'm sorry. My apologies there. I agree with everything that Jessica has just said. Words are important. Making sure that everybody understands what is required of them and leaving nothing up to interpretation is going to be key for anything that moves forward from these meetings.

Canadian Heritage committee  I just want to add to this. The public has a right to know who in positions of power are around children and youth. It's up to them to determine what the parents' choice should be and if they want to be associated with that particular organization. Again, the idea behind safeguarding children and youth—and adults—from abusers in sport needs all teams, all organizations, on board here.

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you. My name is Kelly Favro and I'm a survivor of sexual violence. I can only tell you this because I represented myself in BC Supreme Court in June 2021 where I won the right to say my name and identify myself as a victim in my own story. I am here today because I have lived experience of how legally silencing complainants of sexual violence through publication bans or NDAs can have unintended consequences and how this can affect safe sport.

Canadian Heritage committee  No one will put themselves through this process for fun. Not being able to have the choice in sharing your story in the hope of protecting others from going through the same thing you did is one of the most helpless feelings in the world. Thank you.